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To take notes in Goodnotes, create a notebook, choose its paper and cover, then use the toolbar to write, highlight, erase, draw, and add content. Import a PDF when you want to annotate a handout. If your notes are mainly structured typing, choose a pageless Text Document instead. The best starting point depends on whether you need handwriting and freeform marks or formatted text.
Choose the right Goodnotes document
Goodnotes offers two useful starting points, and they suit different kinds of notes.
- Notebook: Choose this for handwriting, drawing, and freeform annotation. It is also the right choice for marking up a handout or combining written notes with visual elements.
- Text Document: Choose this for pageless, typing-focused notes. Content is arranged in blocks, with rich formatting, tables, and media. It does not offer the notebook’s drawing and freeform annotation tools.
Goodnotes says Text Documents are available on Apple devices, Android, Windows, and Web. Basic editing works offline, while AI features and real-time collaboration require an internet connection. See Goodnotes’ Text Documents guide for the current feature details.
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Create and set up a notebook
Goodnotes documents this creation flow for Android, Windows, and Web. Labels and layout may differ on Apple devices.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
- Open Documents, then select New > Notebook.
- In the Template Library, choose the paper size, color, orientation, cover, and paper template.
- Enter a title and select Create Notebook.
In that documented workflow, the selected template properties become defaults for the next notebook. The cover and paper you choose now determine how the pages look; you can focus on writing once the notebook is created. See Goodnotes’ getting-started guide.
Write, edit, and add pages
The toolbar is the main place to work with notebook content. Goodnotes lists these controls in its getting-started guide; availability and interface details can differ by platform.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
- Pen: Write or draw on the page.
- Eraser: Remove marks.
- Highlighter: Emphasize text or marks.
- Shape: Add or refine shapes.
- Lasso: Select content to work with it as a selection.
- Elements, Image, and Text: Add reusable elements, images, or typed content.
- Undo and Redo: Step backward or forward through recent edits.
- Laser Pointer: Point out content during a presentation.
Use the page sidebar to add pages or insert a page before or after the selected page. If you use an external keyboard, Goodnotes publishes shortcut references for macOS, iPadOS with an external keyboard, Windows, and Web. Not every shortcut works on every platform or in every view; check the platform and context notes in the keyboard-shortcut reference. Goodnotes also advises updating the app if a shortcut is missing on Windows.
Import a handout or other file to annotate
To import from the Goodnotes library, select New > Import and choose a file. The supported formats listed in Goodnotes’ guide depend on platform:
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
- iOS/iPadOS: PDF and image files, plus Word and PowerPoint files.
- Android, Windows, and Web: PDF and image files.
Word or PowerPoint conversion may not preserve the original layout perfectly. If the page appearance matters, import a PDF when one is available. Goodnotes also describes importing from external apps, and drag-and-drop on iOS. Check its file-import guide for platform-specific instructions and current limits.
Personalize paper and covers
You can add a PDF or image to the template library as custom paper or a cover. Goodnotes provides separate instructions for Apple devices and for Android, Windows, and Web in its custom-template guide.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
- If you import a multipage PDF as a template, only its first page is used.
- Choosing a size category does not resize the imported file.
- You can group custom templates by purpose, size, or style.
The Goodnotes Marketplace is another place to find digital stationery; its inventory and terms can change. Learn more in the Marketplace overview.
Use audio recording and replay where supported
Goodnotes describes Audio Recording as a way to record while writing or revising notes and then play the recording back with Note Replay. The documented Replay modes—Spotlight, Real-time reveal, and Static—are available only on iOS and macOS, and only in notebook documents. Replay-mode settings do not sync across platforms. If prompted, grant microphone permission; check the audio guide before relying on recording for a class or meeting.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Check device and input compatibility
Stylus behavior depends on the device and supported hardware; do not assume every stylus offers the same features. Goodnotes directs users to device-specific guidance for Apple Pencil compatibility. Check the relevant compatibility information for your device before choosing an input setup.
Quick Recap
Match the workflow to the task
- Handwriting, diagrams, or freeform marks: Use a notebook.
- Typed, structured notes: Use a Text Document.
- Annotating a handout: Import a PDF or image; prefer PDF when preserving page appearance matters.
- Audio linked to written notes: Confirm that iOS or macOS notebook Replay meets your needs.
- Keyboard-driven work: Check shortcuts for your platform and view, and whether you need PDF export or printing using the current platform guidance.
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